Thursday, November 2nd
Kerrie has had a bunch of ups and downs this week and it’s been difficult for us to keep everyone updated. I’m not sure the last update that our Aunt Michelle put on the page, but will try to sum up the most important things in the last few days.
She made it through the MRI, a few days ago, and proved the doctors wrong…. made it through without having to be intebated and put on a respirator.
Yesterday we had some hope… she grabbed my coffee cup out of my hand and tried to take a drink through her oxygen mask, so we tried to give her some ice chips and water. It’s the first thing she’s tried, orally, since last Saturday. Although we have been told she is permanently paralized on her right side, she was reacting to her foot being tickled. We are sure we saw her toe move and she was trying to stop the nurse from playing with her foot. She couldn’t stop her with her right leg, so started kicking with her left.. this, of course, left us hopeful. Dad and Joyce headed home for a few days, as the doctors had said there had bee no change and she would probably be this way for the next few days.
At 6:00pm she began complaining of a headache…
At 10:00pm, Ron and I noticed the pupil in her right eye was extremely dialated and were very concerned about this, but the nurse said it was responding to light and not to worry. My Midnight her eye was not responding at all, so another CT scan was scheduled. Ron was already gone, but I called and woke mom to come back from the apartment. She had only had 2 hours sleep in the over 24 hours, so I was reluctant to wake her but thought she had better come.
Her MRI, the day before had shown the infection was not spreading, but it had not reduced, she had some small bleeds and the clot had a little larger. With her eye completelty dialated we were pretty sure she was bleeding or possibly having another stroke. Mom and I spent the night by her side.. until she went for the CT scan at 4:00am. It was a very emotional night, with the three of us holding hands. Once they took her for the CT scan I got some sleep in the lobby while mom sat with her. One of had to get some sleep, so that someone would be able to sit with her today.
This morning, her eye was still not responding.. but the CT scan showed no change from the previous two.. so another MRI has been scheduled for some time tonight. No matter what the results of the MRI, the treatment will not change and they will continue to give her antibiotics. She is not a candidate for any other form of treatment.
Several departments came through to see her today.. ICU, Radiology, Nuerology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Opthomology, etc. By noon Kerrie’s left eye was a little less dialated as was her right eye. This was a little surprise, as the right eye had been completed dialated for days and we had been told the pupil had been “blown.” Her left eye was responding very well to light, but the right eye shows no response. The pupil being smaller is still a good sign in my book.
When Nuerology began poking her right hand, arm, leg and foot with a toothpick she was very verbally letting us know it hurt. I was thrilled about this, but they reminded me that even though she has sensation she still does not have movement. Two days ago she didn’t have senstation, so we’ll take anything we can get at this point.
Her fever waivers between 98 and 102, but the last two days she has been at 98.. another good sign. Talking is almost impossible for her, though she tries, and we have had to resort to hand squeezes for “yes” and guesses at what she is trying to say. WHen she really forces it she can get a word or two out, but it is difficult if not impossible to understand.
For now, there is not much more to tell. Kerrie is very ill and it is still going to take a miracle to pull my sister out of this. If she does survive she still has to deal with the problems associated with a bone marrow transplant.
Every time we get a little hope, it gets dashed by another set back.. but we aren’t ready to give up yet.
I will try to keep you updated more, or at least get calls out to Aunt Michelle to update a post, but we leave Kerrie as little as possible.
I have never prayed so much in my life, cried so much in my life or begged God for anything so much in my life.
I just want my sister…
Jenn
23 Comments
Marcie Wright
Thank you for taking the time for the update. Been hoping for one. You are amazing.
This web site is such a blessing for us because we get to know how she is and because we can really make good requests when we pray! Thanks again!
Deb Kayga p.m. RN
Hang in there Jenn–we all couldn’t be more proud of everything that your family are doing for our friend! All our prayers, all the time Deb
Shane Garver
Jenn, thank you so much for the update. You are truly the greatest. If you happen to remember, please send Kerrie my love. And of course, I send my love to you and your family. Will be keeping Kerrie, you and your family in my every thought. Plenty of prayers coming from Kansas City.
Stay strong,
Shane
Gina from NOMC
Jenn,
You and your family are incredible and all of you have been so strong for Kerrie. Thank you for the recent update. Please remind Kerrie that we all think of her daily and love her.
God Bless you all!
Gina Wallace
heather anderson
Jen-kerrie,you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. You are all amazing and strong!god bless you
Teena
Kerrie,
You keep fighting girl!! It looks like the tall blonde with an attitude bone marrow is bonding.
Sending my thoughts, prayers & love to you all.
Donna
Jen, Thank you so much for the update. Let Kerrie know I’m still planning on helping when she goes home. She’s in my prayers and my thaughts constantly. I can’t wait until we go to the batting cages. Love to all of you, Donna
Jeannine
Jenn – You are indefatigable! (That means you are like the annoying bunny on the commercials. 🙂 Remember, Kerrie is of the same stock. NOBODY IN THIS FAMILY GIVES UP!! Don’t accept anyone’s opinion as irrefutable fact. It’s only an opinion. God is not limited. Take heart, we are all right there with you, draw on us when you need strength. All things are possible… Loving you, Ron, Joan and Big Bro Steve
Jason
Prayers, Hope and Love from Atlanta! I think of you all every day!
Kelly K
Jenn, thanks so much for updating. I work with Kerrie and absolutely love her, we all do. Praying for you all, Kelly
Sandy Maynerich
HI Jenn thanks for the update on Kerrie. Kerrie is a fighter and she will keep fighting till she gets better and will be able to finally go home. I know it’s hard but I’m so glad that her family is there for her 24/7 she needs you all and her friends her need and were all praying for her to get better.
I know when Kerrie is all better your whole family will be so happy and you will be able to get some sleep and I know it’s hard to get sleep now because of her conidtion but you will be able to take turns napping here and there so that is good.
I was starting to get a little worried there when we hadn’t heard anything from you and when I got your update this morning I was so relieved that Kerrie was still with us and that she is still fighting. Please tell her not to give up fighting and keep it up.
Thanks
Sandy
Kat Balcom
Thank you so much for the update, Jenn, I know its hard for you to get away, but really do appreciate knowing how our girl is doing. Keep strong, and if there is ANYTHING you or the family needs, please call me. I’m very close and have LOTS of free time. Thinking of you all and praying everyday!
Stay strong, Kerrie, my friend!
Love, Kat
Sandy Bliss
Kerrie,
the strongest person in the world, keep giving them heckkkkk. Move those Muscles. No pain no gain girl. Keep focused. Love you much. Sandy Bliss
colleen
Jenn, you are the best big sister ever! Hang in there! You guys are in my thoughts and prayers every minute!!
Teena
Ditto to what Colleen says!!
Lenice
Jenn/Kerrie
My prayers are with you daily. Stay strong! We are all with you in spirit!
Karol Andree
Jenn,
You are an angel…Keep the strength. We have faith she will make it through all of this.
She is a fighter. With you, Ron, your mom and dad on her side, as well as the suport love and prayers from so so many people;family and friends and even strangers, she has got to come through.
Love to all,
Aunt Karol